Chapter 11: Mira
Over the next several days, Julian has been doing his duties as a servant diligently while gathering as many information as he could. And there are a few interesting things he noticed.
First thing is that Evelyn, being the head of the family, mostly stay at home and rarely goes out. Richard is the one who goes out often and manage all their businesses. Julian had actually thought that Evelyn, as the head of the family, would be the one going out and do business, with Richard as her mere assistant. However, that seemed to be wrong.
The second thing Julian took note of was the family's ranks.
Evelyn was a D-rank awakened, but she revealed little about her abilities. Despite her low rank in a world dominated by strength, she held complete authority in the household. Even Richard, her husband, despite handling business affairs, never once overstepped her word. Julian couldn't determine if it was fear, respect, or simply the way things worked in a matriarchal society.
Celeste, the elder daughter, was also D-rank like her mother. However, Julian suspected she might not be as strong as Evelyn. Her demeanor was composed, calculating, but she lacked the overwhelming presence he had come to associate with powerful individuals.
The younger daughter, Lilia, was the real interesting one. At C-rank, she was the most talented among them, and it showed. She carried herself with the confidence of someone who knew she was superior—not just to her family but to most people she encountered.
And then, there were the servants.
Julian had noted that most of the servants were male, a likely reflection of the society they lived in. However, there were two notable exceptions.
The Head Maid, Isabella. A woman who could only be described as dangerously seductive. She was in her late twenties, with a body that seemed deliberately designed to test a man's restraint. Her deep burgundy hair framed a mature, alluring face, and her uniform—while proper—did little to hide her curves. Isabella was sharp, intelligent, and exuded an effortless dominance over the male staff.
And the errand girl, Mira. Unlike Isabella, Mira was youthful and vibrant, possibly in her early twenties. With soft brown hair tied in a loose ponytail and striking green eyes, she had an innocent charm that made her stand out. She was the one who ran around the house, delivering messages, bringing supplies, and assisting wherever needed. Because of this, she was also the most approachable among the women in the household.
Julian had already noticed how the male servants stole glances at Mira, though none dared to make a move. She was well-liked, but there was an unspoken boundary that kept the others at a distance.
Julian, however, was not like the others.
He had made up his mind. Mira would be his first target.
***
The opportunity came sooner than Julian expected.
Late into the evening, Julian had just finished his assigned tasks when he noticed Mira slipping out through the side entrance of the estate. She carried a small bundle, likely preparing for an errand before nightfall.
Julian took his time, ensuring he wasn't seen as he followed.
The Averill estate had several secluded spots, and Mira, whether intentionally or simply out of habit, had stopped at one—a quiet storage area near the back of the house, away from the main quarters. She was stacking supplies, adjusting a few wrapped parcels, her expression relaxed as she worked under the dim glow of a lantern.
Julian stepped forward, making just enough noise for her to notice.
Mira turned sharply, her green eyes narrowing as she spotted him. "Julian?" she asked, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
He offered a small smile. "Just finished my work. Saw you slipping away and figured I'd see if you needed help."
She raised an eyebrow, placing her hands on her hips. "You mean you were snooping around."
Julian chuckled. "Maybe a little."
Mira sighed but didn't seem particularly annoyed. She shifted her weight, looking him over. "You're different from the other servants," she mused.
"How so?" Julian leaned casually against one of the wooden crates.
"For one, you're a little too curious," she said. "Most of the others just follow orders and try to stay out of trouble. But you… you watch people. Like you're trying to figure something out."
Julian didn't deny it. "Observation is useful."
Mira tilted her head. "And what have you observed about me?"
He met her gaze evenly. "That you're the most well-connected person in this household. You go in and out, hear things, see things. If there's something worth knowing, you probably already know it."
Mira smirked. "Flattery? Or are you trying to get something out of me?"
"Can't it be both?" Julian asked smoothly.
Mira let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "And here I thought you were just another obedient servant."
"Not quite," Julian admitted. "I'd rather make things interesting."
Mira rolled her eyes, but he could see the amusement flickering in her expression. "Well, you're certainly off to a good start."
She turned back to her task, reaching for a bundle to place on the shelf. "So, what do you want, Julian? You didn't just wander over here for small talk."
Julian stepped closer, his voice dropping just slightly. "Maybe I did. Or maybe I just wanted to see what you're like when no one's watching."
Mira paused for just a fraction of a second before glancing at him over her shoulder. "And what do you think so far?"
Julian smiled. "That remains to be seen."
Mira let out a quiet hum, tapping her fingers against the crate she had just placed. She didn't seem bothered by Julian's presence—if anything, she appeared intrigued.
"So, you're curious about me?" she asked, turning to fully face him now. The lantern's soft glow highlighted the green in her eyes, making them stand out against the dim surroundings.
Julian shrugged, offering an easy smile. "I think it's fair, considering you probably know a lot about everyone in this house already."
Mira smirked, crossing her arms. "Maybe. But that doesn't mean I just go around sharing what I know."
Julian took a slow step closer, testing the waters. "What if I had something to trade?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what could you possibly offer me, new servant?"
Julian let the moment stretch, watching her reaction as he lowered his voice just a bit. "Depends on what you want."
Mira held his gaze, as if searching for something in his expression. Then she chuckled, shaking her head. "You're trouble."
"Maybe," Julian admitted. "But trouble can be interesting."
Mira sighed in mock exasperation, but the amusement in her eyes didn't fade. She glanced around as if ensuring they were still alone before leaning back against the wooden crate. "Alright, fine. I'll bite. What exactly are you trying to get from me, Julian?"
Julian mirrored her relaxed posture, standing close but not too close—just enough to keep the tension present. "Information, for starters. You know how things run in this household better than anyone. What's really going on here?"
Mira tapped a finger against her chin, pretending to consider. "And in exchange?"
Julian tilted his head, smirking slightly. "What do you want?"
Mira chuckled again, shaking her head. "You really are bold."
"That's not a complaint, is it?"
She rolled her eyes but didn't push him away. Instead, she glanced toward the doorway leading back to the main estate. "Look, I don't mind talking, but this isn't the best place. Too many ears, even out here."
Julian noted the subtle shift in her tone—she wasn't rejecting him, but she was cautious. Smart.
"Then let's find a better place," he suggested.
Mira studied him for a moment before sighing. "Fine. There's an old storage room that no one really uses at this time of night. If you're serious about this little trade, meet me there later."
Julian gave a small nod, watching as she turned to leave.
Before she stepped away completely, she looked back over her shoulder, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Don't be late, troublemaker."
Julian smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."
As she disappeared into the dimly lit corridor, Julian exhaled slowly, a knowing look in his gaze.
The first piece of the game was moving into place.